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ANNUAL REPORT
2012-2013 CANCER PROGRAM
GREAT THINGS
HAPPEN HERE.
Message from the President
Dear friends,
The cancer program at Mount Nittany Health is an innovative, patient-focused asset to our
community. With over 700 people diagnosed and treated for cancer at Mount Nittany Medical
Center in 2012, and countless more who have experienced our care in one way or another, this
program is a priceless lifeline.
Throughout this report, you’ll learn about the goals and read about the many accomplishments
the program has seen over the last year. You’ll read stories of selfless community members and
organizations who only want to give back to those in need, and we’ll share with you the details
of some of the cutting-edge clinical research we’re piloting.
I urge you to further explore the depth and breadth of services our cancer program has to offer.
Whether you’ve had cancer yourself or know someone who has, our resources are many. From
support groups, to patient navigation, nutritional counseling, and rehabilitation services, we’re
proud to be able to offer services of this caliber right here in our own backyards.
Join us as we continue to make advances in this incredibly important fight against cancer. Help
us to make a difference.
Warmest regards,
Steve Brown, FACHE
President and CEO, Mount Nittany Health
1 Great Things Happen Here | 2012-2013 Cancer Program Annual Report
Administrative Director’s Report
Mount Nittany Health partners with Pennsylvania
Pink Zone to support breast health navigator
On February 24, 2013, Penn State Lady Lion Basketball hosted their seventh annual Pink Zone
game, and the culmination of a year-round fundraising effort to impact education, research and
treatment at the local, state and national level. This celebration of breast cancer survivorship
resulted in a great win over Michigan and Penn State receiving a Big Ten Champion title.
For Mount Nittany Health, a lead beneficiary for the fourth year, this means an extraordinary
gift. The monies raised by the Pennsylvania Pink Zone will allow this Central PA health system
to fund a breast health navigator.
For many women, there is a difficult window of time when they hear the words, "You have
cancer." The time between a diagnosis and treatment can be a critical time for support and
education. Women who face a diagnosis of cancer face the necessary task of choosing a surgeon
and figuring out what comes next.
The purpose of a breast health navigator program is to decrease fragmentation of care, coordinate
services, and guide patients through the healthcare system. Imagine the benefits of having the
same support person who walked you through your initial diagnosis , being able to provide
continuity of care while you go through the diagnostic and treatment phase and beyond to
survivorship.
2 Great Things Happen Here | 2012-2013 Cancer Program Annual Report
Navigators do more than provide a link between diagnosis and treatment. Specifically, a breast
health navigator will:
•
Connect patients with resources and support systems;
•
Facilitate interaction and communication with health care staff and providers;
•
Help patients identify and access financial services to pay for their healthcare needs;
•
Help patients arrive at scheduled appointments on time and prepared;
•
Help decrease patients’ fear and anxiety;
•
Help patients identify and utilize appropriate social services;
•
Track interventions and outcomes; and
•
Provide community education and outreach on breast health awareness with the
expectation of increasing breast screening rates.
Thanks to the partnership between the Pennsylvania Pink Zone, Lady Lion Basketball and Mount
Nittany Health, women and men in our local community will have the support they need to
navigate through the maze of early detection, treatment and survivorship.
Aileen S. Galley, ACSW, LSW
Administrative Director for the Cancer Program at Mount Nittany Medical Center
3 Great Things Happen Here | 2012-2013 Cancer Program Annual Report
Cancer Committee Chairman’s Report
We are proud of our accreditation as a Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program,
accredited by The Commission on Cancer of The American College of Surgeons. One of our
responsibilities with this designation is to look retrospectively at the previous year to evaluate
our success in meeting the goals we have set. It is also an opportunity to look forward to the
coming year to ensure we stay on course with our program planning and clinical care delivery.
Here is a partial list of our goals and accomplishments for last year.
2012 Goals & Accomplishments:
CLINICAL GOAL: Implementation of routine EGFR and ALK molecular testing for all the
lung core biopsies with Stage IV metastatic adenocarcinoma.
ACCOMPLISHMENT: Stage 4 testing for lung cancer is now routine. The medical oncologist
orders the tests after they establish that the patient is stage IV and is well enough to tolerate
chemotherapy. EGFR and ALK molecular testing is then ordered.
CLINICIAL GOAL: As a result of recommendations from the 2011 PI study completed by
nutrition & culinary services, the department of radiation oncology will work on expanding
referrals to clinical dieticians for patients with head and neck cancer and GI malignancies.
ACCOMPLISHMENT: Radiation oncology nursing began a PI study in January with the
indicator: ‘Dietary consult will be ordered if the patient meets the criteria on the nutrition
screening tool.’ Susan Whitfield, clinical nursing supervisor, has done a chart review of all cases
from Jan. 2012 - June 7, 2012. 22 patients met the criteria from the screening.17 patients (77
percent) received a nutrition consult as a result of the screening; 4 had already had a screening
done as an inpatient (18 percent) meaning 21/22 (95 percent) had dietary intervention. Only one
patient refused to see dietician (.04 percent) but since the study, nursing has encouraged him to
reconsider and he has since met with dietician accounting for a 100 percent compliance rate.
4 Great Things Happen Here | 2012-2013 Cancer Program Annual Report
CLINICAL GOAL: Department of surgery will implement partial breast irradiation via
MammoSite® in partnership with the department of radiation oncology.
ACCOMPLISHMENT: Department of radiation oncology continues to have capabilities to
provide MammoSite®. Mona Duncan, MD and Ted Kaufman, MD are certified as MammoSite®
practitioners.
PROGRAMMATIC GOAL: Evaluate feasibility of creating a disease-specific tumor board for
prostate and GU cancers, beginning with a once a month conference to start in February 2012.
ACCOMPLISHMENT: Jerome Derdel, MD, Angie Kline, PA-C, Cheri Woll, RN, BSN, OCN,
and Toni Dagen, CTR, meet every other month with Howard Miller, MD, David Oselinsky, MD,
Christopher Yingling, MD & Charles Dalton, MD, Belinda Dashem, and Traci Evans at Mount
Nittany Physician Group’s-Urology office and review shared patients. Registry accessions
information and patients are identified who are in need of navigation services.
CLINICAL GOAL: Department of radiation oncology will begin implementing use of
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) for early stage lung cancer.
ACCOMPLISHMENT: Eight patients have been treated with this modality of 2-5 fractions and
the physics department is monitoring patient outcomes; department of radiation oncology
follows criteria detailed in Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2010, Volume 28, pages 928-935 that
shows results equal to surgery for early stage resectable cancers.
PROGRAMMATIC GOAL: Work with Cmmunications, The Foundation for Mount Nittany
for Medical Center and executive team to facilitate opening of new Cancer Pavilion in Fall 2012.
ACCOMPLISHMENT: A ribbon cutting ceremony was held for donors on November 29,
2012.
5 Great Things Happen Here | 2012-2013 Cancer Program Annual Report
PROGRAMMATIC GOAL: Cancer committee members Aileen Galley, Amy Long and
Kristin Sides will serve on the tobacco free planning committee, with goal of implementing a
tobacco free health system on September 4, 2012.
ACCOMPLISHMENT: September 4 go live has been implemented without incident. The team
has overseen an employee survey, completed April 2012; provided live and telephonic tobacco
cessation classes with clinical outcomes group, which was extended to staff and their support
persons at home; Communications has developed signage and promotions which will continue
through end of year; education on intranet site with tobacco free zone and FAQ’s and policy and
procedure to govern enforcement has been implemented.
PROGRAMMATIC GOAL: Begin a new support group for those affected by head and neck
cancer. Will explore beginning a Central PA chapter for SPOHNC – Support for People with
Oral and Head and Neck Cancer, Inc.
ACCOMPLISHMENT: Cheri Woll, nurse navigator, has completed a needs assessment of
head and neck providers and determined there is support for this service. She has been in contact
with SPOHNC’s leadership and has received materials to become a new charter.
CLINICAL GOAL: Begin provision of robotic surgery option for cervical and prostate cancers
in 2012.
ACCOMPLISHMENT: Howard Miller, MD, urology, Mount Nittany Physician Group,
Theodore Hovick, MD, FACOG, OB/GYN, Mount Nittany Physician Group, Shreya Patel, MD,
FACOG, OB/GYN, Mount Nittany Physician Group, J. Frederick Doucette, MD, FACOG,
OB/GYN, Mount Nittany Physician Group, and Angela Hardyk, MD, FACOG, OB/GYN,
Mount Nittany Physician Group, are now providing robotic surgery via the daVinci ® Surgical
System for cervical and prostate cancers. Dr. Miller provided didactic presentation on April 3,
2012 at cancer conference on the clinical considerations for robotic prostatectomy, receiving
high scores on evaluation.
6 Great Things Happen Here | 2012-2013 Cancer Program Annual Report
2013 Goals
Approved by cancer committee in March 2013.
1. CLINICAL GOAL: Build on 2012 needs assessment for cancer rehabilitation (Std E11)
and explore development of outpatient rehabilitation services for cancer survivors with
HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital.
2. PROGRAMMATIC GOAL: Partner with the American Cancer Society to offer Cancer
Prevention Control Study 3 onsite at Mount Nittany Medical Center.
3. PROGRAMMATIC GOAL: Conduct a comprehensive community health needs assessment
in partnership with the Centre County Partnership for Community Health.
4. CLINICAL GOAL: Improve the consistency of outpatient education regarding PEG tube
care and use for out-patients receiving initial placement of PEG tubes.
6. PROGRAMMATIC GOAL: Investigate the financial feasibility of providing coverage for
outpatient nutrition consults for oncology patients who receive only chemotherapy for their
treatment regimen. Note: Registered Dietician labor costs are currently transferred to radiation
oncology service for outpatients who receive radiation and radiation-chemotherapy.
7. CLINICAL GOAL: Involve endocrinology in multi-disciplinary care of medical oncology
patients with pre-existing Type II DM who become IDDM and those patients with chemoinduced diabetes.
8. PROGRAMMATIC GOAL: Medical oncology nursing from the pediatric oncology practice
of James Powell, MD will receive pediatric chemo and biotherapy training. In addition to clinical
benefit, will coordinate with communications to promote successful training to community.
Jerome Derdel, MD
Chair, Cancer Committee
7 Great Things Happen Here | 2012-2013 Cancer Program Annual Report
Cancer Services, Outreach, and Early Detection
Support Services On-Site at Mount Nittany Medical Center:
Genetic Counseling & Testing
800.243.1455, ext. 1631
Lady Lion Basketball Cancer Resource Center
Funded by Penn State Pink Zone
814.231.7030
Nutrition Counseling
814.231.7045
Oncology Social Workers/Case Managers
814.234.6153
Ostomy/Wound Clinical Nurse Specialist
814.234.6195
Pastoral Care
814.231.7090
Patient Navigation
814.231.7111
Service Excellence: Problem Resolution
814.234.6706
Rehabilitation Services: Speech, Physical & Occupational Therapy
814.234.6169
Diagnostic & Treatment Services Available at Mount Nittany Health:
CANCER CARE PARTNERSHIP
CANCER CARE PARTNERSHIP, a partnership of Mount Nittany Health and Penn State
Hershey Cancer Institute, provides state-of-the-art, personalized care for outpatient hematology,
medical oncology and infusion services.
Lance and Ellen Shaner Cancer Pavilion, First Floor
Mount Nittany Medical Center, Entrance E
1800 E. Park Avenue State College, PA 16803
Hours: Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Telephone: 814.231.7800
mountnittany.org/cancer-care-partnership
8 Great Things Happen Here | 2012-2013 Cancer Program Annual Report
Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgery
The reconstructive and cosmetic surgery services at Mount Nittany specialize in restoring or
reconstructing the body to improve function and appearance. From traumatic injuries to diseases
such as cancer, reconstructive surgery can restore function, confidence and healing to those
afflicted with a disfiguring disease or injury. The service also provides cosmetic procedures and
surgery.
100 Radnor Road, Suite 101
State College, PA 16801
Telephone: 814.231.7878
cosmetic.mountnittany.org
Inpatient Palliative Care Consultation Services
Expert staff is available to evaluate patients who require management of the symptoms and side
effects of their diseases and walk patients and their families through the different resources
available to provide support for end-of-life care. For more information, call the department of
case management at 814.234.6153.
Laboratory
Pathologists, technologists and support staff work together in the anatomic and clinical
pathology laboratory to provide information to physicians. Blood, body fluids and tissues are
analyzed in this fully accredited laboratory, which has ten specialty areas. Fine needle aspiration
cytology, surgical pathology, autopsy pathology, blood banking and microbiology are some of
the services offered.
Mount Nittany Medical Center
Hours: Monday through Friday, from 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Saturday, 7:00 am - noon
Telephone: 814.234.6117
Mount Nittany Health - Blue Course Drive
1700 Old Gatesburg Road, Suite 100
State College, PA 16801
Hours: Monday through Friday, from 7:30 am – 1:00 pm
Telephone: 814.234.6117
9 Great Things Happen Here | 2012-2013 Cancer Program Annual Report
Park Avenue Imaging – Breast Care Center
Conveniently located in Suite 105 on the lower level of the Centre Medical Sciences Building,
Park Avenue Imaging offers bone densitometry, open MRI, and digital mammography right on
the Mount Nittany Health campus. All radiologists are board-certified and deliver accurate,
timely results to your physician. Our comfortable, modern medical suite will put you at ease. Our
friendly staff will assist you with registration, take you to a private changing area and answer
your questions.
For scheduling and appointment questions
814.234.6106 or 866.373.6106
For more information
814.234.6752
mountnittany.org/medical-facilities/park-avenue-imaging
Radiology
Offering the most advanced radiologic technology, the radiology department assists in the
diagnosis of disease and injury. Diagnostic imaging services are provided on both an inpatient
and outpatient basis. Services include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT scan,
mammography, X-ray, nuclear medicine, nuclear cardiology, ultrasound, Positron Emission
Tomography (PET scan) and interventional radiology. Physician referral is required.
Hours: Weekdays, from 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
After 5:00 pm, emergency coverage only. Diagnostic radiology is staffed
24 hours a day.
Telephone: 814.234.6137
Pain Management Center
The Pain Management Center provides healing therapies for people who have pain-related issues
that outlast the normal healing period following an illness or injury.
1700 Old Gatesburg Road, Suite 100
State College, PA 16801
Telephone: 814.237.3360
Toll-free: 800.406.4893
mountnittany.org/bluecoursedrive
10 Great Things Happen Here | 2012-2013 Cancer Program Annual Report
Center for Wound Care
The Center for Wound Care is a treatment center for people with problem wounds and those
needing diabetic foot care. A state-of-the-art facility, the Center provides the most advanced
therapies and the latest clinical modalities.
120 Radnor Road, Suite 100
State College, PA 16801
Telephone: 814.231.7868
Fax: 814.238.4169
mountnittany.org/medical-facilities/center-for-wound-care
Community Partners:
American Cancer Society
1.800.ACS.2345
cancer.org
•
Look Good Feel Better
Skin and self-care for women during cancer treatment
•
Man to Man
One-on-one support for men diagnosed with prostate cancer
•
Reach to Recovery
One-on-one support for women diagnosed with breast cancer
•
Road to Recovery
Volunteer drivers to take patients to medical appointments
The Bestwick Foundation
bestwickfoundation.org
Bob Perks Fund
814.231.2692
bpcaf.org
Provides financial support for people facing cancer in Centre, Blair, Clearfield and Huntingdon
counties.
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CancerCare
1.800.813.HOPE
cancercare.org
•
Telephone support groups
•
Online support groups
•
Audioconferences
Cancer Survivors Association
814.237.2120
cancersurvive.org
•
Local survivors lead support groups
•
Speakers
•
Celebrations of hope
Caregivers Support Group
Keri O’Shea: 814.237.2120
Centre County Breast Cancer Coalition
814.234.1911
Funding for mammography for medically underserved women in Centre County
Centre/Huntingdon Tapestry of Health
814.355.2762
•
Preventative healthcare for medically underserved
•
Gynecologic and breast exams
•
Nutrition counseling
•
STD testing
Centre Volunteers in Medicine
814.231.4043
web.cvim.net
Free acute, dental and preventative healthcare for medically underserved
12 Great Things Happen Here | 2012-2013 Cancer Program Annual Report
Coaches vs. Cancer
cvcpennstate.org
Through a partnership with the American Cancer Society and the Penn State Hoops Clubs,
events are held throughout the year to raise money for those affected by cancer in the Centre
region.
Pennsylvania Pink Zone
pennsylvaniapinkzone.org
gopsusports.com/pinkzone
Through a partnership with the Penn State Lady Lions and the Lady Lion Cager Club, Penn State
Pink Zone raises money to benefit the breast cancer care and treatment program at Mount
Nittany Medical Center and celebrates breast cancer survivors and funds the search for a cure.
Support & Education Groups
Breast Cancer Support & Education Group
Aileen Galley: 814.234.6787
Central Counties Ostomy Association
Judy Faux: 814.234.6195
CLIMB - Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery
Kristin Sides: 814.234.6175
Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery: A support program for children ages 6–12 who
have a parent or loved one recently diagnosed with cancer
Let’s Talk
814.237.2120
General support for those affected by cancer
Lymphedema Support Group
Amy Flick: 814.861.6608
Ovarian Cancer Support Group
Aileen Galley: 814.234.6787
Tides
814.692.2233
Grief support for children and caregivers
13 Great Things Happen Here | 2012-2013 Cancer Program Annual Report
Screenings and Health Events
Mount Nittany Medical Center provides free and low cost cancer screenings plus health
education events throughout the year. Check the calendar of events at www.mountnittany.org for
the most up-to-date schedule of screenings and educational events offered at the Medical Center.
Wellness Library
Check out the new wellness library on our website by visiting mountnittany.org/wellness-library.
14 Great Things Happen Here | 2012-2013 Cancer Program Annual Report
Spotlight on Clinical Research
The Cancer Program at Mount Nittany Medical Center is an active participant in clinical research
in the areas of prevention and treatment of cancer.
In cancer research, a clinical trial is a study designed to answer scientific questions. Advances in
cancer treatment have occurred largely because of the knowledge gained in large clinical trials
that test new and better ways to treat cancer patients. Some clinical trials test new treatments,
investigate new ways of preventing cancer, screen patients for earlier diagnoses, and monitor the
quality of life and/or psychological impact of cancer while others detect cancer in its earliest
stages. At Mount Nittany Medical Center, our emphasis in research is on testing new treatments
that have shown promise. If a clinical trial shows that a new cancer treatment is better than the
current standard treatment, the new treatment may become the standard for treating that
particular kind of cancer.
Once drug development has been completed from initial laboratory studies, clinical trials
progress through phases of testing. In our Cancer Pavilion, the majority of our studies are Phase
III trials. These studies compare a standard treatment to a standard treatment plus the new
therapy that is being researched. This is done by having two or more “arms” of treatment in
which patients are randomly selected to participate. The arm in which the patient participates is
decided by chance (by a computer), not choice. In all treatment arms, patients receive the best
care available.
Every patient participating in a medical research study, by law in the United States, must sign an
informed patient consent form that explains the research study, the foreseeable risks, benefits,
other appropriate treatments, and where to find further information. It also explains a patient's
rights as a participant in the trial. If at any time a participant is not comfortable with the trial,
they have the right to withdraw. Also, confidentiality of patients' records is assured.
15 Great Things Happen Here | 2012-2013 Cancer Program Annual Report
People participate in cancer clinical trials for a variety of reasons. Volunteering for research
studies can give patients access to promising new drugs long before they are available to the
general public. Although there is always a chance that a new treatment will prove to be
disappointing, there is reason to believe that it will be as good as, or better than, current
treatments. Every effort is made to ensure the patients' safety; the care from the physicians
during the course of the study is highly controlled and monitored. The patients who take part in
clinical trials become part of a network of clinical trials carried out around the country. Included
in this network are cancer experts who have pooled their experience to design and monitor the
clinical trials. Patients in these studies receive the benefit of this specialization and expertise.
Patients considering participating in clinical research should talk about it with their doctors and
medical care givers. They also should ask about the credentials and experience of the individuals
and the facility involved in the study
The clinical trials offered at Mount Nittany Medical Center offer cancer patients new treatments
that have been developed after long and painstaking research. Beginning in 2012, we have
partnered with the clinical research staff from Geisinger Medical Group and Mount Nittany
Physician Group’s surgical specialties to capture their accrual numbers as well. This gives us a
more complete look at cancer trials being offered in the region. From 2001 until September
2013, 281 people have been enrolled in prevention and treatment studies.
Source: www.ecog.org
16 Great Things Happen Here | 2012-2013 Cancer Program Annual Report
Group Accrual
2001-2013
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) National Surgical Adjuvant Bowel & Breast Project (NSABP) American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG) Southwest Oncology Group – SELECT/Preadvise (SWOG) American College of Breast Surgeons -­‐ Mammosite National Cancer Institute (NCI) Industrial Studies North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG) STAR Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) Cancer Trials Support Unit (CTSU) 6 5 1 9 25 7 11 12 13 5 1 0 0 4 3 4 10 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 21 14 3 0 0 0 0 0 9 9 0 0 0 Totals By Year Totals 4 2013 Sep YTD 0 0 2 5 29 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 2 0 42 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 1 42 3 99 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 0 7 0 6 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 6 0 2 0 0 0 2 3 0 2 0 6 0 4 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 5 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 10 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 3 4 8 3 2 23 13 43 35 34 31 23 12 16 27 12 10 16 9 281 17 Great Things Happen Here | 2012-2013 Cancer Program Annual Report
Cancer Registry Report
In 2012, 711 people were diagnosed and treated for cancer at Mount Nittany Medical Center.
Statistics can have incredible meaning. They tell a story about the cancers that affect our lives
most – locally, statewide and nationally. We learn from people who come to us for care by
looking at the stage of a disease from diagnosis. As a result, these statistics help our program
hone its efforts to make sure our prevention and detection activities are zeroing in on the areas
where we can have the most impact. We translate these numbers to ensure that our clinical and
support services are targeted to persons who need them.
All this is possible thanks to the cancer registry at Mount Nittany Medical Center. The American
College of Surgeons requires that a cancer registry be active in order for the program to be
approved as a cancer center.
Cancer registrars provide the collection, dissemination and analysis of cancer statistics. They
collect data involving biographical information, medical information, treatments, disease status
and length of survival. The registrars help our medical staff monitor and evaluate ongoing cancer
treatments, identify patient populations and supply caseload information for educational
programs. They also coordinate information for cancer conferences and peer review activities.
The cancer registrars contribute Mount Nittany Medical Center’s cancer statistics to the
Pennsylvania Cancer Registry and annually to the National Cancer Database. Their collected
work is also used in annual reports from the Cancer Program and in other studies conducted by
physicians and clinical leaders.
18 Great Things Happen Here | 2012-2013 Cancer Program Annual Report
The summary of in-house quality improvement treatment and survival studies for 2012:
•
Five-year study of breast cancer at Mount Nittany Medical Center, 2007-2011, approved
by the cancer committee on December 19, 2012.
•
Rehabilitation subcommittee conducted an oncology rehabilitation services survey,
approved by the cancer committee on April 18, 2012. The results of this study led to our
2013 partnership with HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital to provide
oncology certified outpatient rehabilitation services.
•
Pain relief study was conducted on the inpatient oncology unit and was approved by the
cancer committee on November 21, 2012.
•
A 2010 inpatient oncology unit rehabilitation study helped set new protocol: When a
cancer patient is hospitalized, a nursing flag for diagnosis will automatically trigger a
P.T. assessment. Inpatient oncology unit did a follow-up study this year, reviewing
nursing documentation to ensure P.T. assessments are occurring for oncology population.
Almost 17,000 cases have been entered since our reference date of January 1, 1976. Cancer
registries are required to have an 80 percent lifetime follow up rate for all living patients. Mount
Nittany Medical Center is at 88.56 percent for this requirement. Our standard for follow-up for
all patients seen in the last five years is required to be 90 percent, and Mount Nittany Medical
Center’s follow-up rate through 2012 is 92 percent.
We encourage you to look beyond the statistics and consider what the numbers represent – the
impact that cancer has had on each of the individuals, their families and the community.
19 Great Things Happen Here | 2012-2013 Cancer Program Annual Report
20 Great Things Happen Here | 2012-2013 Cancer Program Annual Report
21 Great Things Happen Here | 2012-2013 Cancer Program Annual Report
In the News
Bestwick Foundation supports local cancer patients
with $10,000 to The Foundation for Mount Nittany
Medical Center
The Bestwick Foundation has donated $10,000 to The Foundation for Mount Nittany Medical
Center to support local cancer patients. The funds have offered assistance to cancer patients who
have extreme financial hardship due to the illness, including helping with payments for
mortgages, COBRA Insurance©, support for education or specialized therapies.
To date, the Bestwick Foundation has provided support to three patients and their families at
Mount Nittany Medical Center, including the family of Jazzlene Inch who was diagnosed with
acute myeloid leukemia in December 2012 when she was two years old. Jazzlene received
treatment at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, receiving five rounds of testing and
chemotherapy. For each treatment, the family traveled from State College, Pa., staying for fourto-five weeks at a time. The family had to pay for gas and meals on top of their everyday
expenses, including their mortgage payment.
“The Bestwick Foundation provided us with various meal and gas gift cards, and money to cover
a month’s mortgage payment and educational support, allowing us to concentrate on beating the
cancer rather than worry about how we could pay for our bills,” said Jamie Inch, Jazzlene’s
mother. “We recently received news that Jazzlene is in remission and couldn’t be more grateful
for the assistance of the Bestwick Foundation.”
The Foundation for Mount Nittany Medical Center & Patient Navigators identify patients who
could benefit from the Bestwick Foundation and the Bestwick Foundation Board approves the
expenditures.
22 Great Things Happen Here | 2012-2013 Cancer Program Annual Report
“Our partnership with the Bestwick Foundation allows us to offer unique assistance to our
patients. Because of the Bestwick Foundation’s generosity, we can provide a significant measure
of comfort when our patients need it most,” said Kim Neely, director, The Foundation for Mount
Nittany Medical Center.
Supporting the needs of organizations, families and individuals in the Centre region was the
reason Jamie Bestwick, president, Steve Greer, secretary, and Dan Rallis, treasurer, formed the
Bestwick Foundation two years ago.
“We created the Bestwick Foundation to benefit our community and support our family, friends
and neighbors,” said Steve Greer. “Four years ago, I was diagnosed with leukemia and it was
difficult to handle – not only emotionally, but financially. By supporting local cancer patients
through The Foundation for Mount Nittany Medical Center, we can help reduce the worry and
stress of financial difficulties, so that patients and their families can focus on recovering.”
In addition to supporting The Foundation for Mount Nittany Medical Center, The Bestwick
Foundation provides funding to the Hope Lodge®/Coaches vs. Cancer (PSU), Athlete Recovery
Fund, Tides Program, St. Joseph’s Academy, Strawberry Fields, Centre Volunteers in Medicine
and Youth Service Bureau.
Bob Perks Fund gives $8,800 to The Foundation for
Mount Nittany Medical Center
“To be a comfort to people with cancer,” was the motivation for the $8,800 gift given recently to
The Foundation for Mount Nittany Medical Center. The donation from the Bob Perks Fund, a
State College based non-profit that provides support for basic necessities for people with cancer,
will help to purchase hospitality carts to be delivered to families who have a loved one in the
hospital with end stage cancer. The carts will facilitate the serving of specially prepared snacks
to families so that they can spend as much time as they need at the bedside. Another purchase
made from the funds was for special “wraps” for people with cancer to wear for their radiation
23 Great Things Happen Here | 2012-2013 Cancer Program Annual Report
therapy treatments at the Lance and Ellen Shaner Cancer Pavilion. The garments are designed to
accommodate the special needs and equipment involved in the cancer treatments, and provide
some comfort and ease for the patient.
The Bob Perks Fund has been established to assist individuals or families with personal illness
that has been diagnosed as cancer. The goal is to provide basic necessities that patients cannot
afford temporarily due to their illness. Individuals may find information on how to apply at
bpcaf.org.
Senior high school student honors late uncle with
donation to local cancer patients
It was Wednesday, August 28, and Chelsea Bilyeu was standing in the sale ring with her lamb at
the Grange Fair, watching and waiting to see how much the lamb would sell for at this year’s
Junior Livestock Sale. The auctioneer had announced to the crowd gathered that this girl and her
lamb were special; they had submitted a letter indicating that the proceeds from the sale of the
lamb would be donated in memory of her uncle. While Chelsea’s eyes welled up, the auctioneer
started the bidding $700 higher than he had for the previous lambs. The minimum bid was set at
$1,000, and a bidding war started.
The 17-year-old State College Area High Senior has been selling her lambs as part of FFA since
she was seven, but this year was different. Chelsea was donating all of the proceeds to The
Foundation for Mount Nittany Medical Center to honor her late uncle, Rick Bilyeu of Iowa, and
yearned for a high bid.
“My uncle passed away two years ago from mesothelioma,” said Chelsea. “We were extremely
close, and it was really hard on me when he died. He was always joking and laughing – it’s
something I really miss.”
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Rick was only 58 when he died. When Chelsea started to think about her senior project for
school, she had the idea to recognize her uncle by donating the proceeds of her lamb in his name.
Chelsea reached out to The Foundation for Mount Nittany Medical Center because she felt the
best way to recognize her uncle was to support patients with cancer.
“As I was watching Chelsea in the sale ring with her lamb, I realized that most of the other hardworking kids were probably going to use the proceeds from the sales of their animals to put back
into their farms, or to buy clothes or even help pay for college. Chelsea’s decision to provide
support to local cancer patients is not only generous, but selfless and kind,” said Kim Neely,
director, The Foundation for Mount Nittany Medical Center. “We are grateful for Chelsea’s
generosity, and inspired by her story.”
Chelsea’s donation will be used to create comfort boxes for cancer patients who are hospitalized.
The boxes will include lip balm, mouthwash, water flavor packets, lotions, nail care supplies,
lemon drop candies, and other items. These types of items help with mouth issues, medication
issues and general morale. The box lids will have a photo of Chelsea and her lamb, along with
Chelsea’s story.
Chelsea’s wishes came true at the Grange Fair. Her lamb sold for $2,500 to Eric Nicholson of
Centre Concrete. The crowd erupted in applause.
“I was so excited. I had expected the lamb to sell for about $1,000,” said Chelsea. “I know my
uncle would have been really proud of me.”
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Alexander Construction Co. receives Project of the
Year Award for work on the Lance and Ellen Shaner
Cancer Pavilion
Alexander Building Construction Company received the 2013 Construction Management
Association of America (CMAA) Mid-Atlantic Chapter Project of the Year Award for the
construction and expansion of the Lance and Ellen Shaner Cancer Pavilion. Patient-centered
features of the new Shaner Cancer Pavilion include the following:
▪
Patient-focused exam rooms, infusion suites and consultation areas for multidisciplinary
teams essential to the patient’s care
▪
A dedicated space for the current intensity modulated linear accelerator
▪
Penn State Lady Lion Basketball Cancer Resource Center, funded by Pennsylvania Pink
Zone
▪
Clinical research space
▪
Consultation areas for support services such as pharmacy and lab work
▪
A dedicated entrance for patients and their loved ones
Following an extensive review process, which analyzes project management by both the
construction manager and the owner, CMAA awards one winner from 11 categories annually.
Projects are judged by their successful display of construction management principles and
standards. This is the second CMAA award received by Alexander Building Construction Co. for
their work with Mount Nittany Medical Center – the first being in 2011 after constructing the
East Wing, a 52,000-square-foot addition to the hospital.
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Message from The Foundation
Andrew Carnegie is America’s best-known “rags to riches” story. Born in Scotland, he
immigrated to America as a boy, and later led the rapid rise of the American steel industry. In
1889 he wrote an article titled, The Gospel of Wealth, which encouraged the rich to use their
wealth and power to improve society. It was this article and the devotion of his late life to giving
his fortune away that earned Carnegie the moniker, “Father of American Philanthropy.”
Andrew Carnegie is on my mind for a reason: He gave his fortune strategically and not through
what we sometimes call “random acts of charity” (although those are good, too!). Carnegie chose
to fund projects that aligned with his interests and belief systems, and then he set specific goals
for those projects (in his case, international peace and the advancement of education and
science). He wanted to see that his philanthropy would do “real and permanent good,” so he
targeted it and expected results.
Donors to The Foundation for Mount Nittany Medical Center who designate their gifts to support
various programs and services within our Cancer Program are doing essentially the same thing
that Andrew Carnegie did in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. You focus your philanthropy on
cancer because it is important to you—it has impacted you or someone you care about—and you
expect results from your gift in the form of improved treatment and technique for fighting
cancer, new equipment and top-notch standards of care locally, and continued participation in
important trials and research so that someday we’ll be free of this dreadful disease.
There are many recent examples of strategic philanthropy throughout our Cancer Program. I’d
like to inform you about several:
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Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund – I have talked about the extraordinary philanthropy of
BPCAF in the past; but, it’s worth repeating. This organization has made grants to The
Foundation for Mount Nittany Medical Center for items critical to our cancer programs: Items to
help mitigate pain (automatic pain pumps); items to provide comfort (blanket warmers and thick,
comfortable robes); items that are compassionate (hospitality carts for families who can’t bear to
leave the bedsides of their hospitalized loved ones, and sleeper chairs for the same reasons). All
of these grants have been strategic and goal-oriented.
Healing Garden – Dr. Dick and Nancy Dixon have provided a lead gift to create Mount Nittany
Health’s first Healing Garden, which will be located adjacent to the Lance and Ellen Shaner
Cancer Pavilion on the grounds of Mount Nittany Medical Center. Recently, Mount Nittany
Health employees have taken up this fundraising cause as a special project. This garden will be
inspirational and healing for patients, families, physicians and staff. A design team headed by
Derek Kalp, RLA, which extends to Penn State and the community, is creating a garden that will
capitalize on the beauty of Central Pennsylvania and accommodate all levels of mobility. Its
ultimate goal? To provide tranquility for anyone who needs it.
Head and Neck Cancer Patient Fund – This fund was established by Drs. Barry Stein and Steve
Engroff to support their patients’ expenses related to the treatment of their head and/or neck
cancers. The objective of this fund at the time it was created was to take the burden of cancer
treatment-related expenses, such as travel, lodging, and medical appointment or pharmaceutical
co-pays, off the patient by making funds available through a private source.
Bestwick Foundation – This is another organization that understands the extreme financial
burden that a cancer diagnosis can place on people. Through The Foundation for Mount Nittany
Medical Center, the Bestwick Foundation makes grants to patients and their families for basic
life necessities when people need to shift finances to accommodate new expenses associated with
living with cancer, like travel to appointments, expensive treatments and medications, and loss of
income because of time away from work. The theme remains common: Focused philanthropy
with a targeted outcome.
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People of our region are generous, and are making healthcare a priority for their giving. My
favorite Carnegie quote? “No man can become rich without himself enriching others.”
If you wish to make a gift, please contact Kim Neely, Foundation director, at 814.231.7117.
Contributions can also be made online anytime at foundation.mountnittany.org.
The Foundation for Mount Nittany Medical Center is dedicated to improving the quality of life
for this region’s residents by supporting the advancement of healthcare at Mount Nittany Health.
As a 501 (c)(3) organization, The Foundation facilitates and promotes philanthropy to sustain
the excellent healthcare that residents expect from an advanced medical center. Donations to
The Foundation for Mount Nittany Medical Center are tax-deductible to the extent provided by
law.
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Cancer Committee Membership 2013
*Jacob Alexander, MD, Radiology
*Richard Allatt, MD, Physical Medicine and Rehab/Physiatry
Kristel Bell, BSN, OCN, Practice Manager, CANCER CARE PARTNERSHIP (beginning July
2013)
Chrissy Brown, RN, Inpatient Oncology Unit Nursing Supervisor
Glenn Casciola, MSW, Oncology Social Worker
Toni Dagen, CTR, Cancer Registrar
*Jerome Derdel, MD, Medical Director, Radiation Oncology, Chair, Cancer Committee
*Mona Duncan, MD, General Surgery
Shannon Fisher, RN, Clinical Research Coordinator
*John P. Ford, MD, Medical Oncology
**Susan Foster, MS, BSN, RN-BC, Director, Education
*James Freije, MD, Otolaryngology, Cancer Liaison Physician, CoC
Aileen Galley, ACSW, LSW, Administrative Director, Cancer Program
*Marian Garcia, MD, Family Medicine
Barbara Gutch, RN, OCN, Clinical Research Coordinator
Khalid Hasan, MS, Medical Dosimetrist, effective June 2012
Neal Holter, Ph.D. abd, Physicist, Radiation Oncology
Dave Johnson, Pharm.D, Pharmacy
Angelica Kline, PA-C, Radiation Oncology
*Brian Kolar, MD, Pathologist
Linda Kuhlman, RN, MSN, NE-BC, Vice President, Professional & Clinical Services
Bonnie Lepro, RD, Registered Dietician
Amy Long, BS, CCRP, Regulatory/Data Manager
*Howard Miller, MD, Urology
Diane Mirich, RN, Same Day Surgery
Pam McLaren, MSW, Patient Navigator (beginning May 2013)
*Paul Murray, MD, Pathologist (through October 2013)
*Nilesh Patel, MD, Medical Oncology
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*Emily Peterson, MD, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
*James Powell, MD, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
Nikole Rudel-Johnston, Account Representative, Health Systems American Cancer Society
(beginning September 2013)
*Kamal Sharma, DO, Medical Oncology
*Hasan Sheikh, MD, Medical Oncology
Kristin Sides, BS, Patient Navigator
Karen Smith, RN, Clinical Research Coordinator, MNPG Urology (beginning August 2013)
Jacqulyn Stone, RN, MSN, OCN, Director, Inpatient Oncology Unit
Eric Sweet, BS, RT, RTT, Administrative Director, Radiation Oncology
*Upendra Thaker, MD, Pain Management
Amy Traxler, CTR, Cancer Registrar
Susan Whitfield, RN, Nursing, Radiation Oncology
Marsha Winslow, RN, CANCER CARE PARTNERSHIP
Kim Witkofsky, Regional Health Initiatives Representative, American Cancer Society (through
September 2013)
41 voting members; 20 needed for quorum
* 16 physician members
**Ad Hoc Member – non-voting
40 Great Things Happen Here | 2012-2013 Cancer Program Annual Report